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Landmarks Less Travelled See the “Other” Washington DC
 
Want to miss the crowds, yet capture some unique aspects of the capitol region? Plan your trip to include a few of these renowned, but lesser-known sights. Discover the “Natural” Side of Washington. Just minutes from the city’s bustling center, a nature-lover’s paradise awaits in these beautiful spots:
 
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens blooming with thousands of water plants, water lilies, lotuses, water hyacinths and bamboo, May through early fall. Anacostia Avenue & Douglas Street, NE. Free.
 
The National Arboretum featuring 400 acres of trees, shrubs and flowering plants. The Arboretum is especially beautiful in the spring, but perfect for a picnic anytime. 3501 New York Avenue, NE.
 
Rock Creek National Park, a quiet escape among 1,754 acres in Northwest DC. Activities include hiking, biking, skating, horseback riding, golf and tennis. 3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW. Free.
 
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, a 91-acre wooded island in the Potomac and a tribute to our 26th President, an outdoorsman with the vision to conserve our natural resources. Footbridge from parking lot, off northbound lane of George Washington Memorial Parkway.
 
Explore More Museums than You Imagined
The famous Smithsonian Institution is just the beginning of a world of discovery in DC. Don’t miss these marvellous destinations:
 
City Museum DC, the only museum dedicated to telling the stories of this captivating capital city. 801 K Street, NW.
 
International Spy Museum, where you can discover the history of spying throughout the ages and scope out a large collection of international espionage-related artifacts. 800 F Street, NW.
 
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport in Virginia, a brand new extension of the famous National Air & Space Museum. Get a birds-eye view from elevated walkways of 200 aircraft and 135 major space artifacts. See museum specialists restore aircrafts, a practice until now done behind the scenes. Free.
 
The Dolls House Museum with a charming collection of antique dolls’ houses, dolls, toys and games. 5236 44th Street, NW.
 
See Washington from the Water
When it’s time to give your walking-weary feet a rest, try these options for seeing the sights:
        
Atlantic Canoe and Kayak takes you on guided quiet water tours from historic Georgetown to the bays of the Eastern Shore. 1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA
 
C&O Canal Boats transport you back to the 1870s during a one-hour narrated trip on replica canal boats pulled by mules. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available. 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW.
 
Tidal Basin Peddleboats offers rentals in the shadow of the Jefferson Memorial from March through September. Ohio Drive & Tidal Basin, NW.
 
Washington Sailing Marina with rentals of Sunfish, Windsurfers and Daysailers from April through October. Lessons available. One Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA
 
Keep in mind that even DC attractions off the beaten trail can be busy in summer. Be prepared before you go. Start by finding hotels with prices and packages at Stay in Washington DC to make your visit to landmarks less travelled more affordable and enjoyable.
Our thanks to Stay in Washington for collating this information.
 

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